MPs in fight for shadow cabinet positions

The fight for a spot in Ed Miliband's top team was getting under way in earnest today after the drama of the leadership contest.

Dozens of MPs are expected to enter elections for the 19 shadow cabinet spaces before the 5pm deadline for nominations.

The retirement of some of the party's biggest beasts - including Lord Mandelson, Alistair Darling and Jack Straw - means there are plenty of opportunities for those eager to scoop high-profile posts.

And the likely departure of David Miliband following his bruising defeat at the hands of his younger brother is set to create another opening.

Under Labour rules, its MPs vote to decide who should serve in the shadow cabinet when the party is in opposition. A minimum quota of six women has been imposed as part of efforts to promote equality.

However, the leader is still able to choose which specific jobs the 19 successful individuals receive.

A separate ballot is also being held to select the shadow chief whip.

Close allies of Ed Miliband are expected to be the biggest winners in the process, with his leadership campaign manager and former transport minister Sadiq Khan tipped for a bigger role.

There have been suggestions that deputy leader Harriet Harman could be rewarded with a major brief such as health after a solid stint covering in the top job. In that case Andy Burnham, who handled health in government, could be shifted sideways to home affairs or justice as part of the shake-up.

Former ministers Caroline Flint, Rosie Winterton and sisters Angela and Maria Eagle are among the women who have declared they are standing - while left-winger Diane Abbott is a wild-card entrant after her leadership bid.

The trickiest appointment is likely to be the key position of shadow chancellor - which many believe had been earmarked for David Miliband.

His absence may leave the way clear for another defeated leadership candidate, Ed Balls, to get the post he has always coveted.

But there is also the fascinating prospect of further intra-family competition, as Mr Balls' wife Yvette Cooper could also be in the running for the Treasury brief.

Meanwhile, there are predictions that Mr Miliband will attempt to ease tensions and disprove his "Red Ed" nickname by elevating some of his brother's Blairite backers.

Jim Murphy, the former scottish secretary who ran David's campaign, could be in line for a promotion, while ex-home secretary Alan Johnson remains one of the party's most popular figures.

Voting takes place between October 4 and 7, with the results being announced that night at 9pm.

Ed Miliband will then assemble his team before Parliament returns on October 11.